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The Ohio State University

College of Engineering


Apply to major in MSE

Thinking about MSE at Ohio State?

What is MSE?

"Materials Science and Engineering" is the broad term commonly used to refer to the study and application of such fields as metallurgy, ceramics, and advanced composites. Go to more about materials science.

The Materials Science and Engineering program at Ohio State is one of the top programs in the country, ranked 12th by US News & World Report. The undergraduate curriculum is monitored to assure the best preparation possible for our graduates as they pursue jobs in industry and graduate school opportunities.

The core of the MSE curriculum is made up of 54 credit hours of courses in the major. This includes lecture courses, labs, and seminars, all designed to give MSE students the critical foundation of knowledge needed to work in the field. Prior to the senior year, students select one of six specializations designed to bring a focus to their upper level study. Students may specialize in Biomaterials, Ceramics, Electronic Materials, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, or Polymers.

The best of both worlds

The MSE program at Ohio State offers students the best of all worlds! The MSE department is a small, friendly department where students interact frequently with faculty and staff and have many opportunities for involvement and research. At the same time, being at Ohio State offers literally hundreds of clubs and organizations and ways to be involved in student life at a great research institution.

Early course work

Students interested in graduating with a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering should follow the curriculum bingo sheet and take the required courses in the Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. Students should plan to take MSE 205 as early as possible in their curriculum. This course is offered each year in the Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters, and has a pre-requisite of Math 151, Chemistry 121, and Physics 131.

Apply to the major

Students may apply to the major during any academic quarter, and should plan to officially apply during the quarter in which they take MSE 205.

Download the MSE Application to Major form (PDF, 8K). Submit the completed form to the Undergraduate Advisor in 477 Watts.

To be considered for admission into the MSE major, you must:

  • Have a minimum of a 2.0 CPHR in all university level coursework.
  • Have a minimum of a 2.0 SPHR (Special Point Hour Ratio derived from grades earned in the four required pre-major classes Math 151 or 161, Chem 121, Physics 131, and MSE 205)
  • Students not meeting these standards may petition to be admitted to the major under the rules of Special Action Probation (SAP)

For more information

For more information, please contact Megan Daniels, MSE Undergraduate Advisor. You may e-mail the MSE Undergraduate Advisor, contact her by phone at 614-292-3145, or stop by 477 Watts Hall.